Cognitive Interviewing (CI) (ECI) Courses

The aim of Cognitive Interviewing is to increase the quantity and quality of information elicited from anyone whether in person or over the phone. This focuses on any person who is providing an account of an incident or individuals who may be treated as a witness.

Studies show using Cognitive Interviewing with the Cognitive Interview model (CI) or the Enhanced Cognitive Interview model (ECI) you can gather an extra 30% more information off a interviewee. Cognitive Interviewng will also quickly identify any inaccurate accounts provided as the individual would struggle to make up a story with the structure and detailed questions that will be asked by following Cognitive Interview models.

We will specifically design and tailor the CI or ECI models for your Government Organisation in line with your current practices and legislation. The training packages are designed around the delivery of the structure and theory of the CI or ECI models and then to embed the models each investigator has the chance to conduct a full interview.

The models outline how to keep the interview simple and is developed through the following phases:

The interview role play scenarios enable the participant to demonstrate interview skills and encourage learning. The practice of actually doing the interview via video link enables the individual to utilise the model in realistic conditions, while the rest of the team assesses their colleague´s performance. The principles of adult learning and feedback from this training supports the view that individuals benefit from the action learning experience.

Training Documentation

A full debrief after each role play provides the individual with valuable feedback for development. A comprehensive debrief document will be prepared after the programme for each individual as a reference record of their performance and a recording of their interview will highlight areas for development.

In line with current International best practice for quality control, further interviews conducted in the field will be assessed within a 6-12 month period to ensure staff are utilising the Model to attain a Tier 1 qualification and look to progress to the next level within the Tier structure.

Business Outcomes

High levels of knowledge and skills raise the effectiveness levels of interviewers – saving time and reducing staff costs